Control

After finishing all that, Dole looked at Water Shadow's limp body on the floor and let out a sigh of relief.

He looked around, then lowered his head toward the table strewn with all manner of papers and slips.

A glance showed that the slips were densely covered in tiny writing, recording intelligence on Albis City—from utterly ordinary people in certain key positions to the movements of every major noble family. It covered nearly every detail and touched upon every aspect.

Cold sweat beaded on Dole's forehead. What was wrong with that damned Nightmare Empire? Why did they investigate things in such detail? Did they have that much money?

Developing informants required money too. With so much intelligence, it was obvious it had not all been delivered by one person, but gathered through the efforts of many. With so many people involved, where had they gotten so much money? Even if they emptied out the Northwestern Nations, did a tiny Albis Mountain really need to spend so much on informants?

It was utterly baffling.

He carefully went through all the intelligence and found that every piece of information within was objective, without a trace of personal speculation or conjecture.

After thinking it over, he realized this method was quite reliable. Without conjecture, there would be no bias, no guidance carrying a particular form or direction, no glaring loopholes, and no subjective emphasis on any one direction.

This method seemed rather good.

Dole looked around and carefully scanned the area with his spiritual power.

Other than dust, the room was spotlessly clean. Nothing that might reveal intelligence had been left behind. Even these little slips contained no names, only code names and the like.

He nodded. Water Shadow truly was a professional. Unfortunately, while the Nightmare Meditation Method might be able